Far Yeast Moritomori RICE ALE / Free Style Sake-Yeast Beer made with rice from Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
As part of the Yamanashi Support Project, which strives to brew beer that makes the most of the local Yamanashi climate, Far Yeast Moritomori RICE ALE, a beer made with rice from Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, will be sold in limited quantities from Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
■ Supporting rice farmers who protect the rich natural environment of Hokuto City, home of famous water, through beer brewing
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is a land of renowned water, selected as one of the "100 Famous Waters of Japan." Using the abundant water, rice has been cultivated here since ancient times. "Norin 48," a rice variety grown only in a small part of Hokuto City , has an unforgettable "stickiness" and "sweetness" once tasted, and has received high praise, winning awards at international rice competitions. However, due to the low yield and lack of availability on the market, it has been dubbed "phantom rice."
Plowing the fields, improving the waterways, and continuing to grow rice also helps protect our irreplaceable water sources. After listening to the aspirations of the farmers of Hokuto City, who are striving to preserve the rich natural environment by continuing and expanding rice cultivation while preserving beloved local varieties, and agreeing with their efforts, we launched a limited edition rice beer, "Far Yeast Morimori RICE ALE," last year. It received a great response, and was exported not only domestically but also to China, Taiwan, and South Korea, where it was well received as a "beer that evokes a sense of Japan."
■Rice beer using Hokuto City's "Mori Tomori" rice will be brewed again this year
The Yamanashi Support Project will once again be brewing and selling Far Yeast Moritomori RICE ALE this year. Following on from last year, we collaborated with Satoshi Uematsu of Mitsuho, Hiroki Takase of the Sudama Aigamo Farming Method Research Association, and rice farmer Shigeki Mochizuki, all of whom work to raise awareness of Hokuto City's delicious rice and support the creation of opportunities for rice farmers. This year, the number of farmers who support our cause and provide rice has increased to eight, further expanding our reach. We named the blend of "Koshihikari" and "Norin 48" rice they cultivated "Moritomori" with the hope that it will "protect" the northern forests. We use this rice in our brewing.
Hokuto City, also known as the "Environmental Kingdom," is planning to host the "International Rice Taste Analysis and Appraisal Competition" in 2024, and hopes to continue the rice beer brewing project in collaboration with producers.
■ Fruity ginjo aroma and hop aroma harmonize with dry flavor.
"Far Yeast Moritomori RICE ALE" uses Moritomori rice for approximately half of its ingredients. Brewed with sake yeast and taking advantage of the umami flavor of rice from Hokuto City, this product is an attempt at crossover between sake and beer. The fruity, sweet aroma of ginjo and the aroma of hops harmonize with the dry flavor, making this a rice beer perfect for everyday meals.
Sales will begin on Tuesday, October 10th at 12:00 on the Far Yeast Brewing official web store in limited quantities, and shipments to beer bars, restaurants, and liquor stores nationwide will begin sequentially from Wednesday, October 11th.
Far Yeast Morimori RICE ALE
Sales start date: Tuesday, October 8th
Suggested retail price: Open price
Ingredients: Malt (made in Germany), hops, rice (produced in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture), sugar
Alcohol content: 6.5%
IBU: 15
Style: Freestyle Sake Yeast Beer (Rice Ale)
Item: Beer
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing (Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Specifications: 350ml can
[Farmers who cooperated this time]
Instagram: @moritomorinohitotachi ( People of Moritomori)
Mitsuho : Satoshi Uematsu
He started farming rice because he wanted to feed it to his own children, and is now working to spread the word about the wonderful nature and people that he has come to realize in the process. He is challenging himself to produce delicious rice and revitalize the local area by drawing out the "power of rice" using agricultural materials that contain herbal medicines.
Sudama Aigamo Farming Research Group : Hiroki Takase
We research safe, reliable, and delicious rice production centered on Aigamo farming methods. We are passionate about Norin 48, also known as "Yonpachi," and work diligently and carefully to cultivate our rice. Recently, we have been actively developing retro varieties similar to Norin 48, and we promote the appeal of our rice through packaging themed around family, flora and fauna, nature, and the local area.
Rice farmer: Mochizuki Shigeki
Inoue Farm : Toru Inoue
Dedicated to agriculture since his grandfather's generation, he grows shiitake mushrooms, rice, vegetables, and other produce using logs. Enjoy the rich natural environment of the Southern Alps foothills, with mineral-rich water, crisp, clear air, and the blessings of the sun, as well as the produce made from organic soil, which is packed with flavor!
Morien Co., Ltd .: Yuichiro Nakajima
We deliver safe and secure seasonal vegetables and rice, as well as processed foods developed and produced with trusted partners to our customers. Please enjoy our organic foods, which are carefully crafted one by one with uncompromising attention to detail.
Takekawa rice farmer Yasohachiya: Mr. Suga Daisai
After graduating from school, he pursued his passion for farming, and took over his grandfather's farming business and started a company. Preserving the farmland and farming methods inherited from his grandfather, he does everything himself, from sowing seeds to cultivating, harvesting, milling, and shipping. He values the idea that "we want everyone's dinner table to be filled with smiles along with the aroma of freshly cooked rice," and he studies each and every step of the process every day, with the aim of delivering the best possible products.
Hara Farm : Keigo Hara
Continuing the rice farming tradition that began in his grandfather's generation, Hara Farm Co., Ltd. was established on May 1, 2023. With the management philosophy of "Make farming fun!",
- Food safety and security are a prerequisite.
- The people involved in the work should feel happy.
Stay curious and always think.
We value this.
Marui Farm: Yu Inoue
(in no particular order)
[About the Yamanashi Support Project]
Far Yeast Brewing's "Yamanashi Support Project" began in July 2020 with the desire to revitalize local industry by brewing beer using local produce. In October of the same year, the company relocated its headquarters from Shibuya to Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, where the brewery is located, further strengthening collaboration with producers and businesses within the prefecture. To date, the company has brewed products using peaches, grapes, and plums from Kosuge Village, where the brewery is located. Along with beer, the company is promoting the appeal of Yamanashi nationwide.